"In the last few years," Penn said, "it seems there has been a rejuvenation of cinema building worldwide; increasingly thoughtful, provocative, moving, and imaginative films by talented filmmakers: that a new generation of filmmaking may have begun. The Cannes Film Festival has long been the epicenter in the discovery of those new waves of filmmakers from all over the world. I very much look forward to participating in this year's festival as President of the jury."

Penn won the best male performance prize at Cannes in 1997 for "She's So Lovely" by Nick Cassavetes.